PRK an alternative to LASIK Eye Surgery

What is PRK?

PRK is a laser eye surgery procedure which offers an alternative to patients who may not be a good candidate for LASIK. It also offers excellent success rates and is more safe than that of LASIK. Although, the recovery time needed is a bit more but still it is preferred and have some advantages over it.

PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery performed for vision correction. It is a surgical procedure in which the surface of cornea is reshaped using a excimer laser. The whole process removes only 5-10 % of corneal thickness for a mild and moderate myopic eye.

Like other refractive surgery PRK also acts by reshaping the cornea, thereby focusing the light entering eye onto the retina to get a clear vision. In this procedure, patient is required to have rest for the initial some days after the surgery. With the passage of time, the eye heals up. A proper care of eye in the presence of doctor is necessary to have a quick heal of the surgical wounds.

How is PRK performed?

Before going to the surgical procedures, anesthetic drops are applied to patients eye to numb it. It also helps in preventing the discomfort caused meanwhile being operated. A device is then placed to hold the eye lids to prevent them from blinking.

First, an eye surgeon remove a central area of corneal epithelium with an blunt surgical device. The laser being computer driven for accuracy and precision, which is programmed according to patients refractive error is then applied. This excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal surface curvature. This sophisticated computer driven laser, delivers cool ultraviolet light that helps in removing the desired amount of tissue to provide clarity in vision.

Once the whole surgical procedure is completed, a soft contact lens ” bandage” , is then placed on the cornea.It is done to protect the eye from any further infection. After four to five days, epithelial cell starts growing.Once the growth of these cells is observed as desired,the doctor removes the bandage applied on eye.

What are the complications involved in it?

Initially, after the surgery eye burns and irritation is a common phenomena. Itching of eye is caused. But it is recommended not to do so. Rubbing your eyes may lead to an increase in the time taken to heal the wound.

Many a times eyes burn as if some acid has been poured into it, but don’t worry it is common. All you need to have is patience to quick heal your eyes by not rubbing them off.

Dry eyes are a common problem caused after the surgery. Application of lubricants can help in getting rid of the problem.

Lastly, it is recommended to be in doctors presence or consult to avoid any risk. A regular checkup of your eyes is done by doctor to find the progress extent of your eyes.